While modern life makes it nearly impossible to avoid every harsh chemical, synthetic fiber, or plastic item, what is in your control is being mindful about what you purchase and expose your child to. When building your baby registry, try to steer clear of products containing the following:
Protect your baby from day one. Our non-toxic registry guide covers everything from baby gear and feeding to laundry care, diapering, bedding, and more.
That oh-so-soft newborn skin is thinner and far more sensitive than ours, making the fabric choices for your little one important. Common materials like polyester and even conventional cotton can be treated with pesticides, synthetic dyes, and harsh chemical finishes during production. Choosing organic cotton helps minimize that exposure. Consider clothing and swaddles with the OEKO-TEX® or GOTS logo.
Some of our go-to brands include:
Buying organic clothing and swaddles that are free of dangerous toxins is a good place to start. But if you’re washing them with detergent chock-full of harmful ingredients like harsh fragrances, artificial dyes, optical brighteners, and harsh preservatives, it can undo the care and effort you put in. Babies come with a whole lot of laundry, and most standard detergents include toxic chemicals that cling to fabric and irritate sensitive skin. Go with a gentle, non-toxic laundry detergent like Truly Free Home Laundry Wash.
Our formula is:
Baby gear includes big-ticket items you’ll rely on almost daily—from car seats and strollers to travel cribs. The thing is, many of them are made with plastics, synthetic fabrics, polyurethane foam, and chemical flame retardants. Although you won’t be able to avoid them entirely, you can be selective when shopping for gear by prioritizing brands that:
Whether you go the cloth diaper or disposable route, it all comes down to the materials used. If you’re considering cloth diapering, a reliable resource is Green Mountain Diapers (don’t forget to pair them with a non-toxic detergent to prevent residue buildup and irritation). Most disposable diapers contain chlorine bleaching byproducts, added fragrances, and lotions, so look for brands that rely on:
As for disposable wipes, there’s no “perfect” solution available since they require strong preservatives to remain moist. But these are some safer options to consider.
Feeding your baby—whether you’re nursing, bottle-feeding, or introducing solids—involves many pieces that come into direct contact with their food, mouth, and hands every single day. Reaching for feeding gear made from glass, stainless steel, food-grade silicone, or untreated wood rather than plastic (which can leach other compounds, especially when heated or scratched) means less potential exposure to BPA, BPS, phthalates, and other usual suspects.
By now, you’ve probably noticed a recurring theme: Many mainstream bath products are filled with harsh fragrances, sulfates, artificial dyes, and preservatives that can be drying or irritating, especially for babies. Choosing formulated-safe products helps nurture your baby’s still-developing and vulnerable skin barrier, leaving out unnecessary extras (the fewer the ingredients, the better). Bath time doesn’t need a 10-step regimen made up of a dozen products—just a few pure, simple essentials get the job done without overcomplicating things.
You know what they say: Babies eat, poop, and sleep on repeat. They’ll spend a significant amount of time snoozing, mainly in those early months. A lot of traditional crib mattresses are packed with polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), flame retardants, and adhesives that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When searching for a safer mattress, look for:
Combine it with 100% cotton (ideally organic) sheets, and swap waterproof vinyl mattress protectors in favor of organic cotton or wool-based offerings.
While it might not seem like it, you don’t need tons of products to care for a baby. In fact, the most meaningful must-haves are often the simplest: clean ingredients, clean air, and plenty of snuggles. This guide isn’t meant to spark fear—it’s about bringing awareness and empowering you to make thoughtful choices for your baby. By mindfully selecting non-toxic baby products, you’re creating a foundation for a healthier space for your baby and the entire family.